Col. Aaron Cunningham, USMC, Iraq, Battle of Fallujah

Aaron Cunningham started thinking seriously about military service after watching Operation Desert Storm unfold in 1991, the year he graduated from high school. He began college without being sure of military service. Now, Col. Cunningham is retired after 29 years of service. But the service that he is most proud of is serving as commander of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, which included the Second Battle of Fallujah in November and December 2004.

In this edition of “Veterans Chronicles,” Col. Cunningham explains the various reasons he chose the Marines, how 9/11 changed the trajectory of his service, and how he trained Alpha Company for combat in Iraq.

He explains his responsibility for nearly 200 Marines and what was going through his mind on the eve of the battle. Then, Cunningham walks us through Alpha Company’s entrance into the battle, the initial successes, and the enemy resistance which quickly emerged.

He also describes the house-to-house fighting, how he decentralized decision-making to platoon, squad, and team leaders, and his calmness under fire. He also describes the devastating losses of Lt. Dan Malcom and Lance Corporal Bradley Faircloth over the course of the battle.

Don’t miss this powerful story of service as we approach the 20th anniversary of the fight for Fallujah.

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Veterans Chronicles